I was doing great - now I'm down in the dumps! I HATE TAXOTERE :(

I have done 4 of my 6 chemos. The first 3 were a breeze and I was able to keep my spirits up. I had my first taxotere (doing 3 FEC and 3 TAX) last Friday and since Monday I have had a new side effect every day and I'm mad about it! First pretty severed bone/ muscle pain in my legs, then in moved to my back, then I got thrush with a wicked sore throat now I am extremely bloated have diahrrea and horrible mestrutal like cramps. My onco told me this chemo should be even easier than the first 3. I am depressed and miserable. Can't take time off work because I don't have more time to take. I can't WAIT for it to end. I'm going to ask for Lexapro again --- I was on it for a few months when I was dealing with the unknowns of everything but for the past 4 months I have been taking no drugs other then chemo and the stuff you take that weekend.

Sorry you're having a rough time. Back when I first started chemo I asked the Dr about what side effects I would experience. He said some "mild" nausea. Mild my XXX (I'm sure the censors got that one lol) How about SERVERE nausea??? Vomiting? Some days I was constipated, some days I had diarrhea. Chemo kicks your butt that's for sure but you'll be done before you know it. You can vent on here anytime you want!!!

I completely understand your discouragement. I had 4 sessions of AC followed by 4 sessions of Taxol. They told me that the Taxol would be much easier that the AC. I found it to be worse with its side effect surprises. Also, by that time, I had some cumulative fatigue from the first 4 sessions. The bottom line is that chemo is not easy. However, it is a necessary weapon in your battle. You will have all of this behind you soon and then you can move forward. I wish you the best.

So sorry you are having a rough time. I had terrible side effects from taxotere also. I've heard that taking plain Claritin (not D) helps with the joint and bone pain. My second dose was the worst one. Flu symptoms, stomach out of wack, etc. when you're in the midst of it, seems endless. Tell yourself , "this too shall pass!" Can you take short term disability from work? I was teaching first grade so I couldn't work, not to mention the risk of infection from germs. First graders love to share! LOL. Hope all works out for you. Sending hugs and prayers:)

Do what ever you need to do to get through this..I put myself in a trace..Really I did. I would picture myself on an island reading and laying in the sun..Just by myself in full relaxation.
I was in deep focus during my treatment on that picture.

Working during all of this..oh geez.. That's really hard..I wish you the best,

So sorry about your problems with Taxotere. I was on a combo of Taxotere and Cytoxin for four treatments and worked, too. I had absolutely no side effects except more fatigue after each treatment. Chemo has a cumulative effect - the more you get the worse you feel. My daughters always looked at it like you are 25% done after the first treatment and that helped me. I am not sure why but I know your guys have helped you, too! Just thin I am one third through this awful stuff and maybe that will help you too. You have done great! You are beating your cancer! Hugs and hoping you feel better soon!

I also had much worse side effects from the Taxol/Taxotere than the AC. The onc said every one is different. I took 800mg of motrin and it eased the bone pain somewhat. I also lost all my nails from the taxotere and they has to switch to taxol. I know every one says it will be over before you know it and even though it doesn't feel like that now it is true! You will make it!

Hang in there. My third treatment of Taxotere/Cytoxan was a doozy. I too ended up with thrush and severe hives that bought me an all-expenses paid (thanks to meeting my OOP max a long time ago) to St Luke's. I have taken Claritin w/ the last 2. It helps a lot. Make sure it's the 24-hr one. I also found that Ibuprofen helped more than Tylenol. Chemo sucks!!

I think talking to your team about going back on Lexapro is a great idea - you might want to ask for a phrma consult - with a doctor who specializes in treating people with cancer and chronic illnesses. I was put back on Lexapro and also am on low doses of Xanx - really took to edge of my depression and anger.

The physical and emotional side effects of treatment can be brutal -there is no reason to suffer. You may also want to talk to a therapist who specializes in cancer patients as well. The hospital where I am treated has a free 12 week program which i found very very helpful in dealing with day to day issues and my feelings - I get booster sessions as needed.

I am so sorry that you are having to go through this, but if it kicks the cancer in the butt hang in there. Just remember that we are here for you to sound off so you can feel better. I know what depression is like believe me. I am bi-polar and if it weren't for the medication the doctor has me on I would be depressed all day every day. So you hang in there and try to think of the pleasant things in your life. This too shall pass, my pastor once preached on going through trials.

Don't know your work situation and how much you have shared with coworkers. But, I worked during chemo and I started a movement to institute a "sick leave bank" at my job. They can be set up differently I guess, but basicly everyone that wants to join kicks in one day a year. A panel is formed to judge the requests that are put in for days to withdraw from the bank with some criteria set up ahead of time to avoid abuse of the system. Several of my coworkers had lots of sick leave that they offered me even before the bank was set up, and my superintendent approved the potential for them to transfer their leave time to me. fortunately I did not need it. But it was comforting to know that it was available.

So sorry to hear this.. I, too, had a nasty experience with Taxol. Did fine on the first 4 A/c treatments, but Taxol, nearly put me under. It messed with my blood pressure levels and I passed out, eyes wide open! Thank God my fiance was right there, because he revived me, but I woke up in a terrible sweat. Then the next few days, I had terrible pain in my legs, my feet swelled and blistered, and then neuropathy set in. I couldn't do anything that require fine motor coordination. This was after just one Taxol treatment! My onc made the decision to take me off, since the part of treatment was insurance and all active cancer was removed with clear margins from the breast.. I too had IDC. I did go on to extensive rads, but now I am NED and it has been a year from the start of chemo. You will get through this, but make sure you keep the onc and the nurses at the center on top of what's happening with you. They do make adjustments if needed. Thinking of you! xxoo

I too was in "I HATE TAXOTERE CLUB" it was horrible I did AC first and it was tough enough with nausea, diarrhea, neuropathy(which I still have), bone pain, extreme fatigue. Taxotere nearly did me in first 3 were bad enough with all above plus just felt lousy, but on 4th treatment I started having trouble breathing, not enough energy to even walk to kitchen. My Mom rushed me to onc my blood oxygen had dropped to 69 and was rushed to hospital. I stayed 3 days and was on oxygen for 3 months and changed to Taxotere for 7 more treatments until my heart function dropped to 49% all chemo was stopped a wk early but stayed on Herceptin for 4 more months and 34 daily Rads. But on the up side I am 6 1/2 yrs NED with no reoccurrence. I had IDC stg IIB Grade 3 so consider myself very lucky. On the work side I was put on disability and never returned to work as some of the effects "Chemo Brain", Neuropathy and Chronic Fatigue turned out to be long term. So Keep your Chin Up, Determination Strong and know you are nearly through this horrible ordeal. Then comes the healing and it is much easier.